Hydroponic Systems for Small Grow Tents

Best Hydroponic Systems for Small Grow Tents

It's no secret that hydroponic growing systems can be the beneficial for healthy, bountiful plants. But choosing the best type of system for your set-up isn't always easy. That's why our experts have put together our top picks for the best hydroponics systems designed for small tent grows. So, keep reading and start shopping to improve your small space indoor cultivation setup and optimize growth overall.

Why Should I Use a Hydroponic System?

Before we get into our 'best of' list, let's first review some of the benefits of hydroponics for optimal health and growth. Over the years, hydroponic set-ups have become synonymous with the best of the best in gardening. Here are just a few 'pro's' to keep in mind when deciding whether or not hydroponics systems are worth the initial up-front costs.



  • Faster life cycle or maturation of plants

  • Higher yields from the same plot size as soil

  • Less risk of pest infestation, and plant diseases

  • Ideal for small spaces, with less environmental controls

Hydroponics System Types

Like the gardening industry as a whole - hydroponics systems have evolved over the last decade. Now, there are more types of hydroponics systems readily available for purchase that can be easily installed, including many that are well-suited for small spaces. Next, we'll cover each hydroponics system type along with the best option for small grow tents to buy on the market today.


Hydroponic systems include: Ebb & Flow, Deep Water Culture (DWC), Top Feed Drip, Aeroponics, N.F.T., and Aquaponics.

Passive Ebb & Flow Systems

A passive ebb and flow system is by far one of the best hydroponics systems, especially for beginner growers and those growing in small grow tents. Not to mention the systems are highly cost-effective. 'Ebb and flow' refers to the same motion as the ocean tides where water (and nutrients) flow to the plants and then 'ebb' as the water retreats. Passive versions don't require electricity and also don't require daily maintenance for the system to work properly.

*Best Overall Staff Pick for Ebb & Flow Systems - Autopot

The Autopot ebb & flow systems are at the top of our ebb & flow system recommendations list. We carry several different Autopot setups that are designed for different plant capacities. Our selection starts with systems as small as 1 pot and goes up as high as 12 pot systems (which can easily be expanded for larger grow systems).

Best Controller Based Ebb & Flow Systems

A controller based or 'active' ebb and flow system is similar to the passive ebb and flow system. But instead it is automated with the use of timers or controllers. These systems implement the use of pumps and electricity to move the water to the appropriate reservoirs when it's time for feeding.

Greentrees Hydroponics Multi Flow Site System (No Media)

 


For simplicity with automation the Greentrees Multi Flow Site System is a perfect choice. The system is easy to set-up yet equipped with automatic timers to grow in a hydroponics set-up with ease.


  • 30 Day money back guarantee

  • 12 month warranty

  • 3.5 gallon container, with a timer and relay box mounted on the side, and float switches mounted inside of it

  • 2 gallon growing containers

  • Easily customizable to add multiple sites

Best Deep Water Culture System

Deep water culture or cultivation, is a take on an old-school hydroponic method that's been modernized for today's world of gardening. In this type of set-up plant roots are submerged in a nutrient filled water basin. In the bottom of the basin you'll find air stone or air curtain connected to a small pump that powers water movement.

Best Aeroponics System

Put simply, aeroponics differs from hydroponics by the use of 'air' to create a flow of water for feeding purposes. Not only are aeroponics eco-friendly but they're also ideal for small space set-ups like indoor grow tents, too.

Platinium 60 Series AeroTop

 


Simplifying aeroponics set-up the best is the Platinum 60 Series Aerotopic system. This set-up is ideal for growers seeking to use the 'Sea of Green' method that optimizes plant growth even more.


  • Reservoir

  • Tray

  • Tubing kit

  • AeroTop

  • Neoprene inserts

  • Sprayers

  • Pump

  • Easy access reservoir lid

Best Aquaponics System

 


Aquaponics might be the most costly hydroponics system to initially purchase but is highly efficient, versatile and sustainable. An aquaponic system hosts fish and plants to create a natural environment that's ideal for optimal plant growth. The systems work like a life cycle where the waste from the fish is converted into nitrates by surrounding bacteria. These nitrates are used as food for the plants before the remaining water is returned to the fish now free of contaminants.

AquaBox Complete Aquaponics Kit

  • Custom wood flood table frame

  • Custom wood 30 Gallon Reservoir frame

  • Flood table

  • Root Royale Hydro Clay Pebbles

  • Water Pump

  • Drain Tube

  • Fill/Drain Fitting

  • AquaCycle Aquaponics Fish-less Cycling Kit

The Final Word on Best Hydroponics Systems for Small Grow Tents

Now that you have the expert picks of the best hydroponics systems for small grow tents you can better decide which set-up or price point works best for you. All of the best hydroponics systems on our list, are highly effective for optimal growth, cost-efficient, and simple to set-up for beginner growers, too.


It also helps to choose the best hydroponics store to ensure quality service from research to purchase. Like GrowersHouse. Where our online GrowExpert chat is available to answer any questions, and where you get the best price with our price match guarantee. And, don't forget - sign up for the GrowersHouse newsletter for all the latest product news, exclusive discounts and sales.

Shop All Ebb & Flow SystemsShop All DWC SystemsShop All AeroponicsShop All AquaponicsShop All Hydroponic SystemsActive Aqua Grow Flow Ebb & Flow System, 12-Site Complete

 


Easily one of the best ebb and flow hydroponic systems is the Active Aqua Grow Flow. The fill and drain cycles are maintained by the controller unit and set with the built-in timer. This system can be set up in many different sizes and shapes to fit your exact growing needs.


  • Connect 6 to 48 growing modules to a single system

  • Adjustable float ladder

  • LED emergency indicator light

  • Concave center drain buckets are engineered to fully drain, no more stagnant water in the root zone

  • Individual inner buckets allow you to easily move plants

  • UL-listed water pumps operate on standard 120-volt

Active Aqua Grow Flow 7-Gal Controller w/5 Gal Bucket Kit - 12 site

 


Have a bigger grow tent or grow space? Active Aqua Grow Flow is one of the best home hydroponic systems to purchase for up to 12 plants. The system is completely customizable with additional items for purchase separately too.


  • Adjustable float ladder and emergency shut-off valve

  • LED emergency indicator light

  • Each growing module consists of one outer bucket and one inner bucket - making it easy to lift and move plants

  • ¾" tubing and fittings

  • Water pumps operate on 120V

  • Each controller unit can control up to 24 of the 5-gallon growing modules.

Active Aqua Root Spa 5 Gal Bucket System

 


The Active Aqua Root Spa is one of the best beginner hydroponic systems. The 5 gallon bucket is fully oxygenated with air to ensure that your plants will grow faster with this system than other media based growing systems.



  • Water tight seal to guarantee no leaks

  • 8" bucket basket to hold your choice of growing medium

  • Multi-purpose air hose delivers air from the pump to the bottom of the bucket

  • Air pump to oxygenate your water to encourage root growth

  • ½" grommet fitting

  • ½" elbow fitting

  • ¼" black tubing

Active Aqua Root Spa 5 Gal - 4 Bucket System

 


Adding on to the original Active Aqua Root Spa, is the brand's 4 bucket system. For growers who know they'll be growing multiple plants and have space for 4 plants, this kit is ideal.


  • Water tight seal to guarantee no leaks

  • 8" bucket basket to hold your choice of growing medium

  • Multi-purpose air hose delivers air from the pump to the bottom of the bucket

  • Air pump to oxygenate your water to encourage root growth

  • ½" grommet fitting

  • ½" elbow fitting

  • ¼" black tubing

Active Aqua Root Spa 5 Gal - 8 Bucket System

 


Doubling the 4 bucket system, is Active Aqua Root Spa's 8 Bucket System. This set-up is perfect for small grow rooms, or larger grow tents. It's also one of the most cost-efficient items, for 8+ plants.



  • Water tight seal to guarantee no leaks

  • 8" bucket basket to hold your choice of growing medium

  • Multi-purpose air hose delivers air from the pump to the bottom of the bucket

  • Air pump to oxygenate your water to encourage root growth

  • ½" grommet fitting

  • ½" elbow fitting

  • ¼" black tubing

Under Current Solo - Current Culture

 


Recommended for mother plants, you know the Under Current Solo - Current Culture DWC set-up is perfect for quality and longevity. Just add water, and you're ready to go!



  • 8 or 13 gallon growth module

  • CCH2O Heavy Harvest Lid with Porthole

  • 8" CCH2O Net Pot

  • Drain Valve KitEco Air 2 Air Pump

  • Air Hose

  • (2) Medium Round Air Stones

  • 1-Year Warranty

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